Petition to save community-owned Glenelg-Skye ferry from 'unsustainable' levy

Almost 50,000 people have backed a petition calling for a change in the law to save a unique ferry.

The community owned Glenelg-Skye vessel is thought to be the world’s only manually operated turntable ferry.

A financial wrangle has fuelled concerns about its future.

The cherished MV Glenachulish has grown in popularity since locals adopted it 20 years ago. However, there may be stormy waters ahead for the crossing between Glenelg and Kylerhea on Skye.

An annual fee charged by Skye laird and clan chief Richard Oliphant has angered ferry supporters.

Under an archaic law, he takes 5% of the ferry’s annual turnover. Even if the income drops, he is still paid the previous peak amount.

Last year was a busy one and he collected about £10,000, according to the community company.

Jo Crawford, chief executive of the Isle of Skye Ferry Community Interest Company, said: “£10,000 is an enormous amount of money. For a small company like ours, it really is a huge amount of money and we could put that to much better use.

“We could provide additional employment locally in a small rural community like this and the one at Kylerhea. These opportunities are in scarce supply.

“We’re not in a situation at the moment that would mean the service is in danger. However, the clause in the agreement means we can’t pay less than we did in the previous year.

“That means should our earnings drop – and this year they will absolutely have dropped – we can’t pay him any less than we did last year, which was close to £10,000.”

In the previous decade, the company paid £50,000. But because of a bumper year the company now faces a doubling of the levy, which it considers “unsustainable”.

STV News has made numerous attempts over several days to contact Mr Oliphant without success.

Since the issue surfaced a fortnight ago, almost 50,000 people have backed an online petition calling for a law change.

The matter has also been raised at Holyrood, where First Minister John Swinney told colleagues that he had used the ferry himself.

He said: “It’s an absolute joy and a great asset to the communities in Skye and in Glenelg.

“I have seen the news media reports and I’ve asked for advice about the issues that are involved to determine if there is any legitimate intervention the government can make.”

Although the vessel is currently in dock for repairs, there is optimism a solution can be found.

Ms Crawford said: “If we can be successful in this, and I think we can, it will give confidence to other community groups who are dealing with something in a similar vein, if you like – some issue that’s in some way threatening their continuation and sustainability.”

In a letter to Rural Affairs Committee convenor Mark Ruskell, rural affairs minister Gillian Martin said the matter was “deeply concerning.”

While she said the government cannot directly intervene in such contractual disputes, she confirmed plans to examine expanding Community Right to Buy legislation to include ferry rights.

The law gives eligible local groups the legal power to register an interest in or acquire local land and buildings, and can sometimes include minerals and fishing.

“I would call upon all parties involved to work closely together to reach a solution that protects this service,” she wrote.

“Any legislative change would not happen instantly, it may nonetheless allow communities in the
future to have an appropriate avenue towards taking ownership of ferry rights.”